Ricky braking system for zipline riders

ABSTRACT

A zipline braking system and deceleration method having one load carrying cable, and at least one overhead member, where the overhead member can be extended above substantially the entire length of the load carrying member. A stopping member is attached with the cable, and a suspender is attached with the overhead member. A rope is attached with the stopping member and the suspender, such that when the stopping member and person traveling on the zipline move toward the finish end of the cable, the rope pulls counterweight against the force of gravity. A guide can apply friction to the rope at the finish end to further decelerate the speed of a person traveling on the zipline.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Priority Claim, Cross-Reference to Related Applications, and Incorporation by References

This application is a continuation-in-part of, is related to and claims the benefit of the earliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listed application(s): Non-provisional application filed by Richard Barrett Buckman, on Jun. 26, 2008, application Ser. No. 12/215,061 entitled: “Ricky Braking System for Zipline Riders”; and Provisional Application filed by Richard Barrett Buckman, on Aug. 22, 2007, Application No. 60/965,571, entitled: “Ricky Braking System for Zipline Riders”, of which application Ser. No. 12/215,061 recognizes that Applicant claimed priority.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention includes but is not limited to moving load braking methods and systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Non-Provisional Application Ser. No. 12/215,061

Non-provisional application filed by Richard Barrett Buckman, on Jun. 26, 2008, application Ser. No. 12/215,061 entitled “Ricky Braking System for Zipline Riders” stated the following:

Background of the Invention

Ziplines were originally invented for biologists and researchers to study tree canopies in Costa Rica. Today “Canopy Tours” consisting of one or more ziplines have transcended their utilitarian status and are now being implemented worldwide as a recreational activity in camps and adventure parks.

A zipline is a heavy cable stretched between two anchors such as trees. An incline is created by securing the start end higher than the finish end. A carriage or trolley is attached to start end of the cable and gravity brings the zip rider down the cable. The problem with ziplines is that the rider can travel at high speeds down the cable and must come to a complete stop before reaching the end or suffer injury. Currently available braking or speed controlling methods are problematic or unsafe. Many zipline courses or canopy tours use leather gloves to grab the cable, thus providing friction and slowing down the rider. This is unsafe for many reasons. Gloves can tear or heat up causing the rider to let go of the cable and thus running into the tree at the end of the cable and suffering injury. Other courses employ stop blocks at the ends of their zipline cables. These often lead to an abrupt stop to the ride and can also cause injury.

I have invented a mechanism which brings riders to a gradual stop at the end of their ride. My invention will vastly improve safety and comfort to ziplines and canopy tours.

CLAIM

The Ricky Braking System for Zipline Riders is a dual cable zipline braking system that utilizes pulleys and counterweights to safely bring the rider to a gradual and complete stop. The Ricky Braking System for Zipline Riders is a braking method superior to all others in that it is safer and more comfortable while also allowing riders to travel at full speed for the majority of their descent down the cable before bringing them to a gradual and complete stop at the end of their ride.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Ricky Braking System is a method of controlling and ultimately stopping a rider's descent down a zipline. A zipline is created by tensioning a cable between two fixed anchors such as trees. The zipline cable and attachment methods must adhere to ACCT standards. For the Ricky Braking System use a minimum of 7×19⅜ inch galvanized aircraft cable for both the riding and braking cable. To create the anchor on the braking cable one needs to install a ½″ or better quick link on the braking cable 70 to 75% of the way down the cable. The quick link should be sandwiched by washers and held secure by a minimum of two fist grip clamps in front of the washers. The quick link holds a steel pulley with a minimum braking strength of 10000 lbs. complete with backup. Through this pulley a NFPA certified rope is routed down to an identical pulley which is attached to the riding cable. The other end of the rope leaves the anchor and goes to the finish platform. The rope is run through a quick link which is attached to the tree between the termination points of the riding and braking cables. From the quick link the rope is run down through the platform and secured to the counterweights. The counterweights should be heavy enough to keep tension on the rope to prevent knots but light enough as to not prevent your lightest rider from making it to the end of the zip. A guide working the end of the zip can apply friction to the moving rope by using gloved hands and lightly gripping the rope to slow heavier riders.

The zip rider begins his descent down the zip, riding freely the first ⅔rds of the way. Upon hitting the braking pulley with his zip trolley, the rider pushes the braking pulley with his zip trolley for the remaining distance down the zip. Pushing the braking pulley causes it to pull the rope through the braking pulley attached to the braking cable above. This causes the rope to pull the counterweights up and slow the rider.

ABSTRACT

The Ricky Braking System for Zipline Riders is a new method of braking and controlling rider's speed on ziplines. The Ricky Braking System for Zipline Riders is a dual cable zipline design that utilizes pulleys and counterweights to safely bring the rider to a complete stop. Because the rider is not required to use an active braking method, such as leather gloves rubbed on the cable to provide friction, and the rider is not brought to an abrupt stop such as ziplines using stop blocks, my invention improves safety and comfort of zipline riders.

Provisional Application No. 60/965,571

Applicant's Provisional Application filed by Richard Barrett Buckman, on Aug. 22, 2007, Application No. 60/965,571, entitled: “Ricky Braking System for Zipline Riders”, stated the following:

The Ricky Breaking System for Canopy Tours/Zipline Riders consists of one heavy wire rope to carry the rider and one light wire rope tensioned between anchors such as trees. The heavy wire rope is anchored at a height reachable by the average rider. The light wire rope is anchored higher. The light wire rope does not carry the rider. The light wire rope only acts to securely hold an anchor to which a pulley is attached through which a rope must run. The rider attaches a zip pulley or carriage to the heavy wire rope and begins his descent down the zipline. At approximately ¾ths of the way down the line, his pulley hits the breaking noose which is around the heavy wire. The breaking noose is attached to a rope which runs up to a pulley which is anchored to the light wire rope above. The rope then runs to the end point of the zipline and through another pulley. The rope continues down past the platform and is anchored to counter weights that act to slow the rider. A guide can apply friction to the moving rope to further slow or stop the rider.

Speaking specifically, the heavy wire rope can be ½″ wire rope which has a breaking strength of 17ooo lbs. The light wire rope can be ¼″ or bigger with a minimum breaking strength of 7000 lbs. The anchor on the light wire rope must meet or exceed the breaking strength of the wire itself as this is the stress point in the system. A minimum of 2 opposing fist grips is required. The fist grips are placed on the light wire rope and sandwich the wire rope together with a small section of identical wire rope. The anchor is composed of the two fist grips, a washer, a ½″ quick link, a washer behind and two cable clamps behind that. The fist grips must be in front as that is the direction of force. A steel pulley with a minimum breaking strength of 8,000 lbs is placed on the ½″ quick link to serve to hold the rope. At the end of the rope is the breaking noose which is a chain covered by thick hose material to dull the sound of impact. The breaking noose is wrapped around the heavy wire rope and anchored to the rope by a steel carabiner or quick link. Additionally, swivels are placed at either end of the rope to prevent the rope from twisting and knotting up.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention includes a zipline braking system having at least two anchors, at least one load carrying member, and at least one overhead member, where at least one load carrying member is extended in at least one section between the at least two anchors, and the at least one overhead member is extended above the at least one load carrying member for substantially the entire distance of the at least one section in which the at least one load carrying member is extended.

The invention further includes zipline braking system, includes at least two anchors, at least one load carrying member, and at least one overhead member. The at least one load carrying member is a cable, that is extended in at least one section between the at least two anchors, and the at least one overhead member is extended above the at least one cable for substantially the entire distance of the at least one section in which the cable is extended. The system further includes at least one stopping member that is attached with the at least one cable. Further, the system includes at least one suspender that is attached with the at least one overhead member. Also, the system includes at least one connecting member that includes at least one rope, which is attached with the at least one stopping member and with the at least one suspender, and is also extended between the at least one stopping member and the at least one suspender. The system further includes at least one connecting member finish end connector, and the at least one connecting member is extended between the at least one suspender and the at least one connecting member finish end connector. The at least one connecting member further has an ascending/descending portion that hangs from the at least one connecting member finish end connector.

The invention includes method for decelerating the speed of a person traveling on a zipline. The method includes providing at least one load carrying member having at least one finish end, providing at least one stopping member, providing at least one connecting member having counterweight, and attaching the at least one connecting member with the at least one stopping member such that when the at least one stopping member moves toward the at least one finish end of the load carrying member the connecting member pulls the counterweight against the force of gravity. Further, the invention can include in a method the steps of providing a ascending/descending portion of a connecting member, providing at least one guide at the finish end and enabling the at least one guide to apply friction on the ascending/descending portion when the stopping member moves toward the finish end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a Schematic Drawing of a side view of an embodiment of the system and method of the invention

FIG. 2A is a Schematic Drawing of a side view of an embodiment of the system and method of the invention

FIG. 2B is a Schematic Drawing of a side view of an embodiment of the system and method of the invention

FIG. 3 is a Detailed side view of an embodiment of a Brake Anchor of the invention

FIG. 4 is a Detailed side view of an embodiment of a Stopping Pulley of the invention

FIG. 5 a is a Detailed side view of an embodiment of a counterweight system and method of the invention

FIG. 5 b is a Detailed side view of an embodiment of a counterweight system and method of the invention

FIG. 6A is a Schematic Drawing of a side view of an embodiment of the system and method of the invention

FIG. 6B is a Schematic Drawing of a side view of an embodiment of the system and method of the invention

FIG. 7A is a Schematic Drawing of a side view of an embodiment of the system and method of the invention

FIG. 7B is a Schematic Drawing of a side view of an embodiment of the system and method of the invention

FIG. 8A is a Schematic Drawing of a side view of an embodiment of the system and method of the invention

FIG. 8B is a Schematic Drawing of a side view of an embodiment of the system and method of the invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-8 b, embodiments of a moving load braking method and system 20 are illustrated.

The following definitions are used in the Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention section of the current application: The term “attached with” as used herein shall include, integral with, direct attachment, attachment with, and/or attachable with the use of one or more intermediary structures; the term “front” as used herein shall mean toward the finish end 22; and the term “behind” as used herein shall mean toward the start end 24.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 2 b, 6 a, through 8 b the method and system 20 include at least one load carrying member 26. As known in the art, the load carrying member 26 can be any generally continuous matter currently known in the art or to be discovered that has at least one start end 24 and at least one finish end 22 within a defined section 28 and from which a load 30 may travel. The load carrying member 26 may be made of materials known in the art or to be discovered that safely can support the load 30 travelling on the load carrying member 26. By way of example only and without intending to be limiting, in some embodiments, the load carrying member 26 can be a cable and in some embodiments the load carrying member 26 can be a rope of any kind, including, but not limited to, a heavy wire rope, nylon rope, Kevlar rope, and polyester rope. As well known in the art, a load carrying member 26 can be a zipline.

In some embodiments, such as, but not limited to when the load carrying member 26 is used in a zipline or canopy tour, embodiments of the invention can include a load carrying member 26 that is 7×19⅜ inch galvanized aircraft cable, that has a breaking strength of 14,400 lbs. In addition, in some embodiments, such as, but not limited to when the load carrying member 26 is used in a zipline or canopy tour, embodiments of the invention can include a load carrying member 26 that is ½ inch wire rope that has a breaking strength of 24,000 lbs, It is to be understood that when the load carrying member 26 is used in a zipline or canopy tour, the load carrying member 26 may be made of materials known in the art or to be discovered that safely can support the load 30 travelling on the zipline. In some embodiments, the materials and strengths from which the load carrying member 26 can be made are within the Association for Challenge Course Technology guidelines.

As known in the art a load carrying member 26 can be anchored between at least two anchors 32, however, the area on which the load can, an/or is intended, to travel along the load carrying member 26 is less that the entire expanse between the at least two anchors 32 on which the load carrying member is anchored, for reasons known in the art or to be discovered, including but not limited to, non-ridable materials being used to reinforce the connection of the load carrying member 26 with the anchor 32 and/or ziplines that are intended to only take the rider over a scenic section, while additional lengths of the load carrying member 26 are needed for proper anchoring. As a result, as used in this invention the term “section” is defined section 28 is a section 28 of a load carrying member 26 that is located between at least two anchors 32 and on which the load can and/or is intended to travel. The anchors 32 generally are fixed and can be, but are not limited to, structures such as trees, posts, buildings, columns, hillsides, rocks, and cliffs, which can support at least one end of a load carrying member 26. As known in the art, an anchor 32 can have at least one structure, referred to as an “anchor endpoint structure 34”, such as but not limited to a platform 36, on which a person may stand or otherwise support his or her weight, wherein the weight is primarily supported by the anchor 32 and/or the anchor endpoint structure 34, and not the load carrying member 26. In some embodiments, the anchor endpoint structure 34 can be a separate structure, such as but not limited to a platform 36, near the anchor endpoint 54.

In some embodiments, the anchor endpoint structure 34 is slightly altitudinally below the level of the load carrying member 26 so that the people 38 travelling on the load carrying member 26 can step off the anchor endpoint structure 34 at the start end 24 to travel along the load carrying member 26 while below the load carrying member 26 and/or step onto the anchor endpoint structure 34 at the end of the section 28 after travel along the load carrying member 26 while below the load carrying member 26. In addition one or more person assisting the load 30 at the finish end 22, referred to herein as a “guide 40” can be supported by the finish end anchor endpoint 54 structure while assisting the load 30 at the end of the load's 30 journey along the load carrying member 26 in the section 28.

It is to be understood that the anchor endpoint structure 34 can also be used for purposes other than for supporting people 38 traveling in the section 28 and for supporting guides 40.

As well known in the art, the load 30 travels along the load carrying member 26 while attached with a load transporter 42, which can be but is not limited to, a pulley and/or carriage trolley.

As may be seen in the illustrations in FIGS. 1-b, and 6 8 b, generally a defined section 28 of a load carrying member 26 is oriented such that the start end 24 is higher than the finish end 22, thereby creating an incline and enabling the load transporter 42 to freely descend down the load carrying member 26 with the assistance of gravity.

Some embodiments of the method and system 20 further include at least one overhead member 44, which is located at a generally higher altitude than the at least one stopping member 46 (which is described in more detail later herein). The term “altitude” or “altitudinally” as used herein refers to the height above sea level. The at least one overhead member 44 provides a structure to hold the at least one connecting member 48 (which is described in more detail later herein) altitudinally higher than the stopping member 46 when the at least one connecting member 48 is attached with the at least one stopping member 46 and the counterweight 50 (which is described in more detail later herein) such that when the at least one stopping member 46 moves toward the at least one finish end 22 of the load carrying member 26 the connecting member 48 pulls the counterweight 50 against the force of gravity.

It is to be understood that the at least one overhead member 44 can be made of any structure currently known or to be discovered that can hold the at least one connecting member 48 above the at least one stopping member 46. By way of example and without intending to be limiting, the at least one overhead member 44 can include, but is not limited to, structures that are held altitudinally above the at least one stopping member 46 by poles, posts, trees, beams, tracks, and/or by strung cable, ropes and/or wires.

In some embodiments, the at least one overhead member 44 will be located generally directly above the at least one stopping member 46 when the stopping member 46 is in the ready position 52. In some embodiments, the at least one overhead member 44 will be altitudinally above the at least one ready position 52 (which is described in more detail later herein) of the at least one stopping member 46 on the at least one load carrying member 26 but will not be directly above the at least one stopping member 46 when the stopping member 46 is in the ready position 52, as the load carrying member 26 may be located above and to the side of the stopping member 46.

In some embodiments, the overhead member 44 can be strung at least partially from anchors 32, which could be, but are not limited to, the same anchors 32 used to support the at least one load carrying member 26. In some embodiments, the overhead member 44 is attached above the entire length of the load carrying member 26. In some embodiments, the overhead member 44 is attached above the entire length of the load carrying member 26 by being attached to the same anchors 32 as the load carrying member 26, such as, but not limited to, by being attached at positions above the endpoints 54 of the load carrying member 26 on the same anchors 32. When the overhead member 44 extends above the entire length, or substantially the entire length of the load carrying member, such that it extends at least 80 percent of the length, of the load carrying member 26 in the section 28, benefits include, but are not limited to, enabling the suspension of elements above the load carrying member 26 at substantially any point along the length of the load carrying member 26 in the section 28. The term “substantially” is used herein in relation to the overhead member 44 because there may be instances, such as but not limited to, when the anchors 32 themselves interfere with the suspension length of the overhead member 44 suspension, such as but not limited to when an anchor 32 that is a tree has a knot that may protrude horizontally from the tree, and/or when the connecting mechanism of the overhead member 44 with at least one anchor 32 might interfere with and reduce the actual the suspension of the overhead member 44. In some embodiments, overhead member 44 will extend above the entire length of the load carrying member 26 in the section and/or totally as suspended between the at least two anchors 32. In addition, embodiments where the overhead member 44 is attached above substantially the entire length of the load carrying member 26 by being attached to the same anchors 32 as the load carrying member 26, such as, but not limited to, by being attached at positions above the endpoints 54 of the load carrying member 26 on the anchors 32, provide an efficient and uncomplicated way to be able to suspend elements above the load carrying member 26 at substantially any point above the load carrying member 26 for purposes including but not limited to suspending at least one suspender 56 (which is described herein in more detail). As will be described in more detail later herein, when the suspender 56 location is changed, the ready position 52 generally also will be changed. As a result, in embodiments where the overhead member 44 is attached above substantially the entire length of the load carrying member 26, generally the location of the ready position 52 can be easily changed to any location along the load carrying member 26.

By way of example only and without intending to be limiting, in some embodiments, the overhead member 44 can be a cable and in some embodiments the overhead member 44 can be a wire rope. In some embodiments, such as, but not limited to when the load carrying member 26 is used in a zipline or canopy tour, embodiments of the invention can include an overhead member 44 that is 7×19⅜ inch galvanized aircraft cable that has a minimum breaking strength of 14,400 pounds. In addition, in some embodiments, such as, but not limited to when the load carrying member 26 is used in a zipline or canopy tour, embodiments of the invention can include an overhead member 44 that is at least an ¼ inch light wire rope that has a minimum breaking strength of 7,000 pounds. Further, in some embodiments, such as, but not limited to when the load carrying member 26 is used in a zipline or canopy tour, embodiments of the invention can include an overhead member 44 that is ½ inch wire rope that has a minimum breaking strength of 24,000 pounds. When the load carrying member 26 is used in a zipline or canopy tour, the load carrying member 26 may be made of materials known in the art or to be discovered that safely can support an overhead braking anchor 80 (to be described in more detail further herein) used in the braking method and/or system 20 of the zipline.

In some embodiments having an overhead member 44, the at least one connecting member 48 is attached with the at least one overhead member 44 as well as with the stopping member 46 and the counterweight 50.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-2 b and 6 a-8 b, embodiments of the method and system 20 are illustrated, which include at least one stopping member 46, counterweight 50, and at least one connecting member 48. In these embodiments, the at least one connecting member 48 is attached with the at least one stopping member 46. These elements are arranged in relationship to one another such that when the at least one stopping member 46 moves toward the at least one finish end 22 of the load carrying member 26 the connecting member 48 pulls the counterweight 50 against the force of gravity.

Factors, referred to as “interacting factors” including, but not necessarily limited to the following, may be considered and/or manipulated in embodiments of the method and system 20: the weight of the at least one stopping member 46, the ready position 52 (which is discussed in more detail later herein) of the stopping member 46, the weight of the counterweight 50, the incline of the load carrying member 26 within the section 28, the length of the section 28 and the weight of the load transporter 42 and/or the load 30, the amount of friction placed on the connecting member 48, and the timing of the application of friction on the connecting member 48.

Generally, the interacting factors will be manipulated such that the load transporter 42 and the load 30 will be able to travel all the way to the finish end 22, but will gradually decelerate to such a speed that the load 30 will not be damaged or injured upon reaching the finish end 22. In some embodiments, at least one person at the finish end 22, referred to as a “guide 40”, will be able to apply at least some amount of friction on the connecting member 48 to cause the load 30 to stop at the finish end 22. Friction can be applied to the connecting member 48 by the guide 40 in ways including, but not limited to, by grabbing the connecting member 48 with the guide's 40 hand 58 or hands 58. Often the guide 40 will wear a glove made of a sturdy material, such as but not limited to leather, suede, canvas and/or Kevlar, on the hand 58 or hands 58 that grab the connecting member 48 to apply friction. In some embodiments, the guide 40 will be required to apply no more than a moderate amount of friction to cause the load 30 to stop. In some embodiments, the load 30 will have decelerated sufficiently that, if the load is a person 38, the person 38 may approach the finish end 22 at such a slow speed that the person 38 will be able to easily stop without the assistance of friction from a guide 40 or with the assistance of no more than a moderate amount of friction from a guide 40. In some embodiments, the load 30 will have decelerated sufficiently that the load 30 will approach the finish end 22 at such a slow speed that the load 30 will stop at the finish end 22 without the assistance of friction from a guide 40 and without damage to the load 30.

The stopping member 46 is located in conjunction with the load carrying member 26 such that the at least one load transporter 42 interacts with the at least one stopping member 46 while the at least one load transporter 42 travels from the start end 24 toward the finish end 22 and in a manner whereby the at least one load transporter 42 pushes and/or pulls the at least one stopping member 46 toward the finish end 22. In some embodiments, when the at least one load transporter 42 pushes and/or pulls the at least one stopping member 46 toward the finish end 22, the kinetic energy of the forward moving at least one load transporter 42 and load 30 is countered at least in part by the gravitational pull on the at least one counterweight 50; and the gravitational pull of the counterweight 50 causes the at least one load transporter 42, and load 30, to decelerate.

The stopping member 46 is located in conjunction with the load carrying member 26 such that the at least one load transporter 42 interacts with the at least one stopping member 46 while the at least one load transporter 42 travels from the start end 24 toward the finish end 22 and in a manner whereby the at least one load transporter 42 pushes and/or pulls the at least one stopping member 46 toward the finish end 22. In some embodiments when the at least one load 30 transporter 42 pushes and/or pulls the at least one stopping member 46 toward the finish end 22, the kinetic energy of the forward moving at least one load transporter 42 and load 30 is countered at least in part by the gravitational pull on the at least one counterweight 50; and the gravitational pull of the at least one weighted member causes the at least one connecting member 48 to remain at least slightly tensioned. Keeping the at least one connecting member 48 at least slightly tensioned when the stopping member 46 is being pushed and/or pulled toward the finish end 22 facilitates the non-occurrence of knots and/or tangles in at least the ascending/descending portion 60 (which is described in more detail later herein) of the connecting member 48, which, among other benefits, enables the guide 40 to apply friction to the ascending/descending portion of the connecting member 48 to gradually decelerate the speed of the load 30 traveling on the load carrying member 26 toward the finish end 22. The occurrence of knots and/or tangles in the at least one connecting member 48 while the at least one stopping member 46 is traveling toward the finish end 22 can, among other things, cause the load 30 to stop abruptly. In addition, when the ascending/descending portion 60 of the connecting member 48 remains at least slightly tensioned as the connecting member 48 is being pulled toward the finish end 22 by the stopping member 46, there is less chance that a guide 40 who may be required to apply friction on the ascending/descending portion 60 to sufficiently slow the load 30 before it reaches the finish end 22 will not be able to grab the ascending/descending portion 60 at the appropriate time. If the ascending/descending portion 60 of the connecting member 48 does not remain at least slightly tensioned as the connecting member 48 is being pulled toward the finish end 22 by the stopping member 46, there can be more chance that a guide 40 who is required to apply friction on the ascending/descending portion to sufficiently slow the load 30 before it reaches the finish end 22 will not be able to grab the ascending/descending portion 60 at the appropriate time as the ascending/descending portion 60 might be tangled, knotted, jumping around up and down, sideways and/or diagonally, and/or might be carried by the wind away from the location that the guide 40 expects it to be when the guide 40 reaches for the ascending/descending portion 60 to apply friction.

The stopping member 46 is located in conjunction with the load carrying member 26 such that the at least one load transporter 42 interacts with the at least one stopping member 46 while the at least one load transporter 42 travels from the start end 24 toward the finish end 22 and in a manner whereby the at least one load transporter 42 pushes and/or pulls the at least one stopping member 46 toward the finish end 22. In some embodiments when the at least one load transporter 42 and load 30 push and/or pull the at least one stopping member 46 toward the finish end 22, the kinetic energy of the forward moving at least one load transporter 42 and load 30 is countered at least in part by the gravitational pull on the at least one counterweight 50; and the gravitational pull of the counterweight 50 causes the at least one load transporter 42, and load 30, to decelerate and also causes the ascending/descending portion 60 of the connecting member 48 to remain at least slightly tensioned.

The at least one stopping member 46 will have, in relation to the at least one load carrying member 26, at least one location, referred to as a “ready position 52”, which is the location of the at least one stopping member 46 on the load carrying member 26 in preparation for interaction with the load transporter 42 as it travels toward the finish end 22.

By way of example and without intending to be limiting, in some embodiments, the ready position 52 will be located generally in the range of two thirds to three quarters of the distance of the section 28 from the start end 24. In some embodiments especially when the braking method and system are used for a zipline with a moderate incline, by way of example and without intending to be limiting, the ready position 52 will be located generally two thirds of the distance of the section 28 from the start end 24. By way of example and without intending to be limiting, in some embodiments, the ready position 52 will be located generally seventy-five percent of the distance of the section 28 from the start end 24. By way of example and without intending to be limiting, in some embodiments, the ready position 52 will be located generally in the range of seventy percent to seventy-five percent of the distance of the section 28 from the start end 24.

The location of the ready position 52 can be at any point along the load carrying member 26. It is to be understood that interacting factors may be considered when determining where to locate the ready position 52, and in some embodiments, the ready position 52 may be located before two thirds or beyond three quarters of the distance of the section 28 from the start end 24.

The method and system 20 include at least one connecting member 48. The at least one connecting member 48 may be made of materials known in the art or to be discovered that can pull the counterweight 50 against the force of gravity when the at least one stopping member 46 moves toward the at least one finish end 22 of the load carrying member 26. The connecting member 48 can be made of pliable materials known in the art or to be discovered that are strong enough not to break under the conditions and weights involved. By way of example and without intending to be limiting, a connecting member 48 may be made of, rope, cable, wire, chain, and/or webbing.

By way of example, in some embodiments when the method and/or system 20 is used on a zipline the connecting member 48 needs to be strong enough to not only pull the counterweight 50 but also stop a rider 38, which could be, by way of example and not intending to be limiting, a 250 pound man traveling at 50 mph. In this exemplary embodiment, the connecting member 48 should have a minimum breaking strength of 5000 lbs in order to stop the above mentioned rider 38 in the event of a knot 76 or tangle in the connecting member 48 without breaking it. If the connecting member 48 got a knot 76, and a 250 lb man traveling at 50 mph hit the stopping member 46 he would generate a huge force on the connecting member 48, similar to a climbers fall. This is one reason why strong, certified rope is used in some embodiments for the connecting member 48.

In some embodiments, the connecting member 48 can be NFPA certified rope. In addition, when the connecting member 48 is part of a braking method or system 20 for zipline or canopy, in some embodiments the connecting member 48 can be NFPA certified rope.

In addition, the at least one connecting member 48 may be made of materials known in the art or to be discovered that can pull the at least one counterweight 50 against the force of gravity when the at least one stopping member 46 moves toward the at least one finish end 22 of the load carrying member 26 and at the same time provide a surface to which friction can be applied while the connecting member 48 is moving as the stopping member 46 moves toward the at least one finish end 22. By way of example and without intending to be limiting, materials include, but are not limited to, rope, cable, wire, chain, and webbing. In some embodiments, the connecting member 48 can be NFPA certified rope. In addition, when the connecting member 48 is part of a braking method or system 20 for zipline or canopy tour, in some embodiments the connecting member 48 can be NFPA certified rope.

Generally, the connecting member 48 will have at least a stopping member connection 62, and in some embodiments may also have a counterweight connection. Referring now to FIG. 4, in some embodiments the stopping member connection 62 and/or the counterweight connection will include at least one swivel 66, which will decrease the ability of the connecting member 48 to knot and/or tangle, and thereby increase the ability of the at least one connecting member 48 to remain at least slightly tensioned when it is moving as the stopping member 46 is moving from the ready position 52 toward the finish end 22. In some embodiments both the counterweight connection will include a swivel 66 and the stopping member connection 62 will include a swivel 66. It is intended that swivels 66 currently known in the art or to be discovered can be used in the method and/or system 20.

The at least one swivel 66 can be attached with the at least one stopping member 46 by means currently known in the art and to be discovered. In one exemplary embodiment, one end 68 of the swivel 66 is connected with the connecting member 48 by means currently known in the art or to be discovered, including but not limited to knots 70, and sewn or spliced eyes, and the other end 68 of the swivel 66 is connected with the at least one stopping member 46 by means including, but not limited to, a quick link 64 or a carabiner, which can be made of materials known in the art or to be developed, including but not limited to steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber.

In addition, when the counterweight 50 is a weight that is not only the weight of the ascending/descending portion 60 of the connecting member 48 and is not integral with the connecting member 48, the at least one swivel 66 can be attached with at least one counterweight 50 by means currently known in the art and to be discovered. In one exemplary embodiment, one end 68 of the swivel 66 is connected with the connecting member 48 by means currently known in the art or to be discovered, including but not limited to knots 70, and sewn or spliced eyes, and the another end 68 of the swivel 66 is connected with the at least one counterweight 50 by means including, but not limited to, a quick link 64 or a carabiner, which can be made of materials known in the art or to be developed, including but not limited to, steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber.

The method and system 20 include at least some counterweight 50. In some embodiments, the counterweight 50 can be sufficiently heavy to keep the connecting member 48 at least slightly tensioned to prevent slack and knots 76 while the connecting member 48 is moving in response to the at least one stopping member's 46 movement from the ready position 52 toward the finish end 22. Where the interacting factors are kept constant from load to load, but where the weight of the load 30 may vary, in some embodiments the counterweight 50 will be sufficiently heavy to keep tension on the connecting member 48 to prevent slack and knots but light enough to enable the lightest load 30 to reach the finish end 22, especially when the load is a person 38 travelling on a zipline.

By way of example and without intending to be limiting, where the method or system 20 is used on a zipline or canopy tour, in some embodiments the counterweight 50 is in the range of eight pounds to 50 pounds. By way of further example and without intending to be limiting, where the method or system 20 is used on a zipline or canopy tour, in some embodiments the counterweight 50 is in the range of 12 pounds to 20 pounds.

When the connecting member 48 interacts with at least one slack pulley 72 (to be described in more detail later herein) the weight of the counterweight 50 may have to be increased to keep the connecting member 48 at least slightly tensioned because, the addition of at least one slack pulley 72 on the connecting member 48 can leverage the weight of the counterweight 50; and thereby decreasing its counterweight 50 force.

The counterweight 50 can be any weight on the connecting member 48, upon which the force of gravity counters the generally upward vertically or at an angle movement of the weight when the connecting member 48 is pushed and/or pulled from the ready position 52 toward the finish end 22. By way of example and without intending to be limiting, the counterweight 50 can be the length 74 of the connecting member 48 itself that is pulled generally upward vertically or at an angle, against the force of gravity, when the connecting member 48 is pulled from the ready position 52 toward the finish end 22. In addition, the counterweight 50 can be a portion of the connecting member 48 itself that is a knot 76 or otherwise condensed to create additional weight on the connecting member 48 itself that is pulled generally upward vertically or at an angle, against the force of gravity, when the connecting member 48 is pulled from the ready position 52 toward the finish end 22. In addition, the counterweight 50 can be made of at least one weight 78, other than the connecting member 48, known in the art or to be discovered. In addition, in some embodiments the method and/or system 20 can use more than one counterweight 50. In addition in some embodiments, sequential weights 78 may be added or subtracted to increase or decrease the total weight of the counterweight 50. In addition in some embodiments, the weight of the counterweight 50 may be increased or decreased by means currently known in the art or to be discovered. By way of example and without intending to be limiting, in some embodiments the counterweight 50 can be made from barbell plates, kettle bell weights and/or boat anchors.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 and 6 a-8 b, the at least one connecting member 48 can be attached with the at least one overhead member 44 in some embodiments with at least one braking anchor 80. The at least one connecting member 48 can be attached with the at least one overhead member 44 by structures currently known in the art or to be discovered such that the at least one connecting member 48 will be suspended altitudinally higher than the at least one stopping member 46 when the stopping member 46 is in the ready position 52. Among other benefits of having the connecting member 48 suspended higher than the at least one stopping member 46 when it is in the ready position 52 is that it reduces the chances that it will be impacted by a load 30 that is suspended below the at least one load carrying member 26 when the load 30 and/or the load transporter 42 impacts the at least one stopping member 46 as the load 30 and load transporter 42 travel forward along the at least one load carrying member 26.

The at least one overhead member 44 can include at least one suspender 56 or have at least one suspender 56 attached with it. The at least one connecting member 48 can be attached with the least one stopping member 46 and routed upward to the at least one suspender 56 and thereby suspending the at least one connecting member 48 above the at least one stopping member 46.

The at least one suspender 56 can be a braking anchor 32 that can be attached or attachable with the at least one overhead member 44 in a generally stationary manner such that at least when the at least one stopping member 46 travels forward from its resting position, the braking anchor 80 will not travel forward or it will not travel forward as far as the at least one stopping member 46. By way of example and without intending to be limiting, a braking anchor 80 can include at least one structure that will allow the connecting member 48 to move through it, such as but not limited to at least one pulley, quick link 64, carabiner, metal ring, sturdy loop, that are attached or attachable on an overhead member 44 in a manner whereby the lateral movement of the structure toward the finish end 22 is limited.

In one embodiment, the at least one connecting member 48 is connected with the at least one stopping member 46, routed upward and through at least a portion of the at least one braking anchor 80. Since the stopping member 46 is slidable along the load carrying member 26, in most embodiments, the braking anchor 80 will be located generally above the at least one stopping member 46 when it is the resting position 52, since the tension of the connecting member 48 will pull the stopping member 46 to its closest position in relation to the braking anchor 80. When the at least one stopping member 46 is pushed and/or pulled forward from the resting position 52 toward the finish end 22 by the load transporter 42, the length of the connecting member 48 between the at least one stopping member 46 and the at least one braking anchor 32 will increase. The increase in the length of the connecting member 48 between the at least one stopping member 46 and the at least one braking anchor 80 will pull the at least one counterweight 50 generally upward vertically or at an angle against the force of gravity.

In some embodiments, the at least one suspender 56 can have at least one pulley, referred to as a “braking pulley 82”, attached with it, attachable with it and/or integral with it. The connecting member 48 can be attached with the at least one stopping member 46 and routed upward through the at least one braking pulley 82. By way of example and without intending to be limiting, the at least one braking pulley 82 can be a steel pulley. In addition, by way of example and without intending to be limiting, each of the at least one braking pulley 82 can have a minimum braking strength of 10,000 pounds.

In some embodiments when the at least one connecting member 48 is routed through the at least one braking pulley 82, the at least one braking pulley 82 is attached with, attachable with and or is integral with the least one overhead member 44 in manner whereby the braking pulley 82 is generally stationary and does not substantially travel laterally along the overhead member 44.

In some embodiments, the braking pulley 82 itself may be attached with the rest of braking anchor 80 in manner whereby the attachment mechanism with the overhead member 44 is attached in stationary manner at least when the stopping member 46 is moving toward the finish end 22, but the braking pulley 82 itself may be able to travel slightly laterally in relation to the at least one overhead member 44 and/or may be able to tilt in relation to the overhead member 44. In these embodiments, the at least one braking pulley 82 will not be able to travel forward as far as the at least one stopping member 46 will be able to move forward while the at least one stopping member 46 is traveling from the resting position toward the finish end 22.

It is to be understood that the at least one braking pulley 82 can be attached or attachable with an overhead member 44 by any connectors 84 currently in the art or to be discovered that can handle the necessary forces. By way of example and without intending to be limiting, at least one connectors 84 can include, but is not limited to, at least one quick link 64, rapid link, and carabiners of all types. By way of example and without intending to be limiting, the connector can also include at least one fastener which can include, but is not limited to a fist grip clamp 88, u-clamp, wire rope clamp, clamps of all types, swages, sleeves, and/or ferrules.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an embodiment of a braking anchor 80 is illustrated. In this embodiment an at least one ½ inch or stronger quick link 64 is installed on the overhead member 44 altitudinally above the at least one load carrying member 26. At least one washer 86 is located in front of the at least one quick link 64 and at least one washer 86 is located behind the at least one quick link 64. The washers 86 and quick link 64 are held securely by at least two fist grip clamps 88 in front of the at least one washer 86 in front of the at least one quick link 64. The fist grip clamps 88 must be at least be in front of the quick link 64 as that is the direction of force. In addition, at least one fastener can be applied to the overhead member 44 directly behind the at least one washer 86 located behind the at least one quick link 64. By way of example and without intending to be limiting, at least one fastener can be, but is not limited to, a cable clamp, fist grip, fist grip clamp 88, u-clamp, wire rope clamp, clamps of all types, swages, sleeve, and/or ferrule. Again by way of example and without intending to be limiting, in some embodiments, two cable clamps are affixed behind the washer 86 located behind the quick link 64. In the embodiment illustrated, one fist grip clamp 88 is affixed behind the washer 86 located behind the quick link 64. Also, illustrated in this embodiment, in some embodiments the fist grips are placed on an overhead member 44 that is a light wire rope and sandwich the light wire rope together with a small section 90 of identical light wire rope.

The at least one quick link 64 can hold at least one braking pulley 82. The at least one braking pulley 82 can hold the connecting member 48, which in this embodiment is a rope. In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one braking pulley 82 is a steel pulley having a minimum breaking strength of 10,000 pounds complete with backup, which as known in the art, is a separate steel axle having an additional 10,000 pound breaking strength. In addition in some exemplary embodiments, the at least one braking pulley 82 is a steel pulley with have a minimum breaking strength of 8,000 pounds.

Referring generally now to FIGS. 1-2 b, 4, 6 a-8 b, at least one stopping member 46 is illustrated. The stopping member 46 is an apparatus which is attached, attachable and/or integral with the at least one connecting member 48, and is also attached, attachable and/or integral with at least one load carrying member 26, that the at least one at least one load transporter 42, or at least one element attached with the load transporter 42, can impact while traveling on the load carrying member 26 toward the finish end 22, and that the at least one load transporter 42, or at least one element attached with the load transporter 42, can push and/or pull to along with it as the load transporter 42 travels toward the finish end 22. The at least one stopping member 46 will also be attachable with the at least one connecting member 48 such that when the stopping member 46 is being pushed and/or pulled by the at least one load transporter 42, or at least one element attached with the load transporter 42, toward the finish end 22, the at least one connecting member 48 will pull the counterweight 50 against the force of gravity.

In some embodiments the stopping member 46 can absorb at least some of the impact of the at least one load transporter 42, or at least one element attached with the load transporter 42, with the stopping member 46. As known in the art, absorbing at least some of the impact of the at least one load transporter 42, or at least one element attached with the load transporter 42, with the at least one stopping member 46, reduces the force on the load 30 upon impact, and in addition, generally reduces the sound made upon impact. In some embodiments, at least part of the stopping member 46 can be made of shock absorbing materials including but not limited to rubber, including but not limited to rubber pipe collars or couplers, soft woods, including but not limited to cork, and polyvinyl chloride.

Generally, the at least one stopping member 46 will be positioned on the at least one load carrying member 26 at the ready position 52 before impact with the at least one load transporter 42, or at least one element attached with the load transporter 42.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which illustrates an embodiment of a stopping member 46. In this embodiment, the at least one stopping member 46 includes at least one impact area 94 at which the at least one load transporter 42, or at least one element attached with the load transporter 42, impacts the stopping member 46 as the load transporter 42 travels toward the finish end 22. In this embodiment, after impact with the at least one stopping member 46, the at least one load transporter 42, or element attached with the load transporter 42, pushes the at least one stopping member 46 toward the finish end 22. When the at least one stopping member 46 is located along the at least one connecting member 48 generally at the ready position 52, and then travels toward the finish end 22, the at least one connecting member 48 is pulled along with the at least one stopping member 46 toward the finish end 22, which causes the at least one connecting member 48 to pull the counterweight 50 against the force of gravity.

In some embodiments, the stopping member 46 includes at least one pulley, referred to as a “stopping pulley” 96 that travels from the resting position along the at least one load carrying member 26 toward the finish end 22 after impact with the at least one load 30 transporter 42, or at least one element attached with the load transporter 42.

In some embodiments the stopping pulley 96 is identical to the at least one braking pulley 82, which both will have the same internal back-up. In some embodiments, the internal back up of both the at least one braking pulley 82 and the at least on stopping pulley 96 can be 10,000 pounds minimum breaking strength per axle. Another benefit of using identical pulleys is they generally will have the same repair guidelines and replacement parts.

In some embodiments, the impact area 94 can be a collar 98 made of a shock absorbing material that at least partially encircles the top portion of the stopping pulley 96. The collar 98 can be made of materials including, but not limited to, rubber, including but not limited to rubber pipe collars or couplers, soft woods, including but not limited to cork, and polyvinyl chloride.

The collar 98 can also limit the movement of the sheave 100 of the pulley in a vertical direction. By way of example and without intending to be limiting, in some embodiments where a collar 98 is not included, the vertical movement of the sheave 100 of the pulley can be limited by the pull of the counterweight 50 on the connecting member 48. By way of example and without intending to be limiting, in some embodiments where a collar 98 is not included, the vertical movement of the sheave 100 of the pulley can be limited by the connector with the swivel 66, or the swivel 66 if one is included, and/or by the connector 62 with the connecting member 48 and/or stopping member 46. In addition in some embodiments, if the top of the sheave 100 of the pulley is located moderately below the bottom of the load carrying member 26 before the load 30 impacts the stopping member 46, generally the weight of the load 30 and the load transporter 42 on the load carrying member 26 near the point of impact with the stopping member 46 when the load 30 is traveling toward the finish end 22 will push the load carrying member 26 downward to where the top of the sheave 100 of a stopping pulley 96 will touch the bottom of the load carrying member 26.

In other embodiments, the stopping member 46 can be at least one braking noose 102. By way of example and without intending to be limiting, one embodiment of a braking noose 102 is a chain covered by thick hose material, which can dull the sound of impact. In addition, in some embodiments, the thick hose material can also absorb at least some of the shock of the impact of the load transporter 42 or at least one element connected with the load transporter 42. The braking noose 102 is wrapped around the load carrying member 26. The braking noose 102 can be anchored to the load carrying member 26 by connectors including but not limited to a steel carabiner or quick link 64. The load transporter 42, which can be a pulley, or at least one element connected with the load transporter 42, will impact the braking noose 102 which is wrapped around the load carrying member 26, which can be heavy wire rope, and push the noose 102 from the ready position 52 to the finish end 22. The braking noose 102 is also attached, attachable or integral with the at least one connecting member 48, which can be a rope, that runs up to an overhead member 44, which can be a braking pulley 82, which can be anchored to the overhead member 44, which can be a light wire rope.

In some embodiments the at least one connecting member 48 is extended between the at least one stopping member 46 and the counterweight 50 by including being extended between at least one overhead suspender 56 and at least one connecting member finish end connector 104. A connecting member finish end connector 104 is generally altitudinally higher than the finish end 22 endpoint 54 of the at least one load carrying member 26 in the section 28, and the counterweight 50 is generally altitudinally lower than the connecting member finish end connector 104. A connecting member finish end connector 104 enables a connecting member 48 to be extended from the overhead suspender 56, to be connected with connecting member finish end connector 104, and then to be extended by a ascending/descending portion that includes at least some counterweight 50, which pulls the connecting member 48 from the connecting member finish end connector 104 in at least a slightly tensioned manner. A section of the at least one connecting member 48 that hangs below the at least one connecting member finish end connector 104 is referred to as the “ascending/descending portion” 60, which hangs in a generally ascending and descending manner that is generally vertical or at an angle of less than 90 degrees.

The connecting member finish end connector 104 can be any device or adaptation of the finish end 22 that enables the connecting member 48 to be extended from the least one stopping member 46, and in the embodiments where there is an overhead suspender 56, from the suspender 56, to the finish end 22 altitudinally higher than the load carrying member 26, and then to hang in a generally ascending and descending manner that is generally vertical or at an angle of less than 90 degrees, and which also enables the connecting member 48 to generally freely travel generally upward vertically or at an angle through the connecting member finish end connector 104 when the connecting member 48 is travelling from the ready position 52 toward the finish end 22. A connecting member finish end connector 104 can be and/or can include, but is not limited to, at least one quick link 64, pulley, and/or eye bolts. In addition, the connecting member finish end connector 104 could be an extension from the finish end 22 anchor 32 through which the connecting member 48 may be threaded in a manner that would enable the connection member to generally freely travel generally upward vertically or at an angle through the connecting member finish end connector 104 when the connecting member 48 is moving from the ready position 52 to the finish end 22. By way of example, but without intending to be limiting, the extension for the connecting member finish end connector 104 could be at least one extension that could be molded or carved into or on, or integral with, the finish end 22 anchor 32 through which at least one connecting member 48 could be threaded in a manner that would enable the connection member to generally freely travel generally upward vertically or at an angle through the finish end 22 connector when the connecting member 48 is travelling from the ready position 52 toward the finish end 22.

In some embodiments where the section 28 has an anchor endpoint structure 34 attached with it or located nearby, the ascending/descending portion 60 can pass from above the endpoint structure 34 to below it by ways including, but not limited to, hanging along a side of the endpoint structure 34 or by being passed through an opening, referred to as “connecting member endpoint structure opening” 92 in the endpoint structure 34.

In some exemplary embodiments, at least one end of the at least one connecting member 48, which can be, but is not limited to a rope, is extended from the at least one braking anchor 80 and extended to above the endpoint structure 43, which can be a finish platform 36. The connecting member 48 is then run through a quick link 64 which is attached to the tree between the termination points, or finish ends 22, of the overhead member 44 and the load carrying member 26, both of which can be cables.

In some exemplary embodiments, the connecting member 48, which is a rope, is extended from the at least one suspender 56 and extended to the finish end 22 end point 54 of the zipline and through a connecting member finish end connector 104 that is another pulley. The connecting member 48 rope continues down past the endpoint structure 34, which is a platform 36 and is anchored to counterweights that act to slow the rider. A guide 40 can apply friction to the moving rope to further slow or stop the rider 38.

The ascending/descending portion 60 of the at least one connecting member 48 can be configured in a variety of ways. Reference is now made to FIGS. 1-2 b and 5 a-8 b, which, without intending to be limiting, show some, but not all, embodiments of configurations for ascending/descending portions 60 and slack portions 106. The actual section of the connecting member 48 that is the ascending/descending portion 60 and the slack portion 106 of a connection member can change at various times due to the movement of the connecting member 48. As previously described, because the connecting member 48 is attached with the stopping member 46, it moves along with the movement of the stopping member 46 from the ready position 52 toward the finish end 22. In addition, the ascending/descending portion 60 moves upward against the force of gravity toward the connecting member finish end connector 104 when the stopping member 46 is moving from the ready position 52 toward the finish end 22; as a result, a portion of the connecting member 48 that at one point was the slack portion 106, can become the ascending/descending portion 60 as the connecting member 48 moves in response to the movement of the stopping member 46 from the ready position 52 toward the finish end 22. The ascending/descending portion 60 is generally referred herein as the portion of the connecting member 48 in a point in time that is extended below the connecting member finish end connector 104 before being supported by a structure or reaching a low point 108 after which it extends upward.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 b, and 7 b, the ascending/descending portion 60 can hang freely, which does not include a slack portion 106. However, as illustrated in FIG. 7 a, the ascending/descending portion 60 can hang to a point at which it becomes supported by something, other than a guide applying friction to an ascending/descending portion 60 that is moving generally upward vertically or at an angle, and at the point that the ascending/descending portion 60 no longer is hanging freely, that portion of the connecting member 48 is generally referred to as that slack portion 106. In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 a, 5 b, 8 a, and 8 b when the ascending/descending portion 60 reaches a low point 108 after which it extends upward, at the point beyond where it extends upward is referred to at the slack portion 106. When, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 a and 8 b, the slack portion 106 extends upward all the way to the stopping member 46, the slack portion 106 ends when it reaches the stopping member 46.

When there is a slack portion 106, it is generally preferred to ensure that the slack portion 106, which may turn into the ascending/descending portion 60, will be free from tangles and/or knot 76 s when it moves in response to the movement of the stopping member 46 from the ready position 52 toward the finish end 22, by ways currently known in the art or to be discovered that will minimize the potential for knots and/or tangles.

The structure in FIG. 7 a that is supporting the slack portion 106 that includes the end of the connecting member 48 is the endpoint structure 34, which in this illustration is a platform 36. It is to be noted that the slack portion 106 could be also be supported by other structures or the ground. By way of example and without intending to be limiting, in this embodiment the slack portion 106 is neatly coiled into a connecting member 48 coil 110 on the platform 36, preferably in ways known in the art that minimize to potential for the occurrence of knots and/or tangles when the slack portion 106 moves upward vertically or at an angle when the stopping member 46 is traveling from the ready position 52 to the finish position. By way of further example and without intending to be limiting, the slack portion 106 could be supported on the platform 36, other structures or the ground in ways known in the art or to be discovered that minimize to potential for the occurrence of knots and/or tangles when the slack portion 106 moves upward vertically or at an angle when the stopping member 46 is traveling from the ready position 52 to the finish position, such as, but not limited by, being placed in a bucket, chest, or canvas wide mouth bag (commonly known as “rope bags” or “rope buckets”) with an open top,

In some embodiments, structures can be created to keep tension on the slack portion 106 of the connecting member 48, which can minimize the potential for the occurrence of tangles and knots in the connecting member 48 when the connecting member 48 is moving in response to the stopping member's 46 movement from the ready position 52 toward the finish end 22.

As previously described, when the connecting member 48 moves in response to the stopping member's 46′ movement from the ready position 52 toward the finish end 22, the connecting member 48 moves upward vertically or at an angle. In some embodiments, care is taken to make sure that there is enough length of the connecting member 48 to travel the necessary distance upward for reasons including, but not limited to, to make sure that there is enough counterweight 50, to make sure that a guide 40 will be able to reach the ascending/descending portion 60, and/or to make sure that the end of connecting member 48 does not travel past the connecting member finish end connector 104. In some embodiments, the length of the connecting member 48 when the stopping member 46 is in the ready position 52 is arranged whereby the connecting member 48 remains tensioned and does not touch the ground. By way of example, and without intending to be limiting, embodiments of such arrangements are illustrated in FIGS. 5 a, 5 b, 8 a and 8 b.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, which illustrate the use of at least one pulley below the endpoint structure 34, which in this exemplary embodiment is a platform 36. In this embodiment the end of the slack portion 106 of the connecting member 48 is connected to bottom of the platform 36, and routed through a pulley, referred to as a “slack pulley” 72 before becoming the ascending/descending portion 60. In this embodiment at least one weight is attached with the slack pulley 72 to add to the tension on at least the ascending/descending portion 60 of the connecting member 48. However, it is to be understood that by way of example and without intending to be limiting, in some embodiments the slack pulley 72 itself, the weight of the ascending/descending portion 60 itself, and/or the weight of the slack portion 106 of the connecting member 48, could provide weight for the tensioning of the connecting member 48.

It is to be understood that the connecting member 48 and slack pulley 72 arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b is only one embodiment of a number of other embodiments that could be used utilizing slack pulleys 72 and possible weights.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 8 a and 8 b. In this exemplary embodiment, the slack portion 106 is routed upward from the low point 108 up to the stopping member 46. In this embodiment, the connecting member 48 could be a single loop that is attached with the stopping member 46, or the connecting member 48 could have two ends, both of which are attached with the stopping member 46. In this embodiment, the at least one stopping member connector 62, to which the connecting member 48 is attached with the stopping member 46 can be extended in a direction away from the load carrying member 26 to minimize the possibility of the connecting member 48 rubbing against the load carrying member 26, the load transporter 42 and/or the load 30.

In this exemplary embodiment, the low point 108 is created by the weight of a weight 78 attached with a slack pulley 72, however it is to be understood that the connecting member 48 and slack pulley 72 arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 8 a and 8 b is only one embodiment of a number of embodiments that could be used with slack pulleys 72 and possible weights. In addition, by way of example and without intending to be limiting, the low point 108 could be created by anchoring the connecting member 48 to the ground in a manner, such as but not limited to by attaching a slack pulley 72 to the ground, that would still allow the connecting member 48 to move generally freely upward toward the connecting member finish end connector 104 when the stopping member 46 is moving from the ready position 52 toward the finish end 22.

In addition in this exemplary example, when the section 28 has an anchor endpoint structure 34 attached with it or located nearby, the slack portion 106 can pass from below the endpoint structure 34 to above it by ways including but not limited to by passing along a side of the endpoint structure 34 or by being passed through a connecting member endpoint structure opening 92 in the endpoint structure 34.

By way of example and without intending to be limiting, the following is one embodiment of a section 28 of the current invention: The anchors 32 are two trees; one on the start end 24 and one on the finish end 22. The overhead member 44 is a cable that is strung on the anchors 32. The load carrying member 26 is a cable that is strung on the anchors higher on the tree at the start end 24 and lower on the tree at the finish end 22, so that the load carrying member 26 cable slants downward from the start end 24 to the finish end 22. Both of the anchors 32 have a platform 36. The overhead member 44 extends above the load carrying member 26 for substantially the entire length of the section 28. Both platforms 36 are located altitudinally below the load carrying member 26 cable. The load 30 is a person 38 riding on a zipline, which is the load carrying member 26. The person 38 riding on the zipline is located below the load carrying member 26 cable while travelling from the start end 24 to the finish end 22. The person 38 riding the zipline departs from the platform 36 on the start anchor 32 while starting the ride and ends by accessing the platform 36 on the finish anchor 32 at the end of the ride on the section 28 of the zipline. The connecting member 48 is a rope that has one end connected with the stopping pulley 96 and one end connected with a weight 78. When it is in the ready position 52, from its connection with the stopping pulley 96, the connecting member 48 ascends generally directly upward through a braking pulley 82 that is attached with the overhead member 44 cable. A swivel 66 is included at the connection of the connecting member 48 with the stopping pulley 96. The connecting member 48 further is strung between the braking pulley 82 and a connecting member finish end connector 104 that is attached to the tree at the finish end 22 about half way between the height that the overhead member 44 cable and the load carrying 26 cable are attached with the finish end 22 anchor 32 tree. The connecting member 48 then extends generally vertically through an opening in the finish end 22 platform 36 and is connected with at least one weight 78. A swivel 66 is included at the connection of the connecting member 48 with the at least one weight 78. The weight 78 hangs below the finish end 22 platform 36 and does not touch the ground. When the person rides on the zipline and reaches the finish end 22, the braking pulley 82 has remained generally stationary in the location it was in at the ready position 52, the stopping pulley 96 has been pushed by the load transporter 42 to the finish end 22 of the connecting member 48, and the weight has been pulled generally upward vertically by the connecting member 48, however the weight has been pulled up a distance that is not as far as touching the bottom of the anchor endpoint structure 34, which is a platform 36. During the movement of the connecting member 48 while the stopping member 46 is being pushed by the load transporter 42 traveling along the zipline, the connecting member 48 remains tensioned and does not tangle. A guide 40 is located on the anchor endpoint structure 34, which is a platform 36 and can apply friction to the ascending/descending portion 60 of the connecting member 48 while it travels generally upward due to the movement of the stopping member 46 toward the finish end 22. The application of friction by the guide 40 on the ascending/descending portion 60 of the connecting member 48 can cause further deceleration of the load 30 as it travels toward the finish end 22 of the section 28.

By way of example and without intending to be limiting, the following is one embodiment of a section 28 of the current invention: The overhead member 44 is strung above substantially the entire distance of the load carrying member 26 in the section. The load carrying member 26 is a cable that is strung higher on the anchor 32 at the start end 24 and lower on the anchor 32 at the finish end 22. At least the finish end 22 has a platform 36 that is located altitudinally below the load carrying member 26 cable. The load 30 is a person 38 riding on a zipline, which is the load carrying member 26. The person 38 riding on the zipline is located below the load carrying member 26 cable while travelling from the start end 24 to the finish end 22. The load transporter 42 is a pulley. The person 38 riding the section of the zipline departs from the start end 24 and ends by stepping on the platform 36 at the finish end 22 of the section 28 of the zipline. The connecting member 48 is connected with the load carrying member 26 and the overhead member 44, which is an overhead cable. The connecting member 48 extends from the suspender 56 to the connecting member finish end connector 104 and then an ascending/descending portion 60 hangs down to the platform 36. The counterweight 50 on the connecting member 48 is the weight of the ascending/descending portion 60 of the connecting member 48. A guide 40 is positioned at the finish end 22. The application of friction by the guide 40 on the ascending/descending portion 60 of the connecting member 48 can cause further deceleration of the load 30 as it travels from the ready position 52 toward the finish end 22 of the section 28.

By way of example and without intending to be limiting, the following are embodiments of methods of the invention. In addition to other embodiments of methods of the invention already described, the invention includes embodiments of methods for decelerating a load 30 traveling on a load carrying member 26. Embodiments of the method include providing at least one load carrying member 26 having at least one finish end 22, and providing at least one stopping member 46, at least some counterweight 50, and at least one connecting member 48. The method can include providing counterweight 50 that can be a portion of the connecting member 48 itself, that is a knot 76 or otherwise condensed portion of the connecting member to create additional weight on the connecting member 48 itself. The counterweight is pulled generally upward vertically or at an angle, against the force of gravity, when the connecting member 48 is pulled from the ready position 52 toward the finish end 22. In addition the invention can include providing counterweight 50 that can be made of at least one weight 78, other than the connecting member 48, known in the art or to be discovered. In addition, in some embodiments the method can include using more than one counterweight 50. In addition in some embodiments, sequential weights 78 may be added or subtracted to increase or decrease the total weight of the counterweight 50. In addition in some embodiments, the weight of the counterweight 50 may be increased or decreased by means currently known in the art or to be discovered. By way of example and without intending to be limiting, some embodiments of the invention can include providing counterweight 50 can be made from barbell plates, kettle bell weights and/or boat anchors. Further, embodiments of the method include attaching at least one connecting member 48 with at least one stopping member 46 and at least some counterweight 50, such that when the at least one stopping member 46 moves toward the at least one finish end 22 of the load carrying member 26 the connecting member 48 pulls the at least some counterweight 50 generally against the force of gravity. In addition, embodiments of the method include providing a descending/ascending portion 60 of the connecting member 48, providing a guide 40 at the receiving end, and enabling the guide 40 to apply friction on the descending/ascending portion 60 when the stopping member 46 moves toward the at least one finish end 22.

Although the invention has been illustrated by reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications may be made which clearly fall within the scope of the invention. The invention is intended to be protected broadly within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. A zipline braking system, said system comprising at least two anchors, at least one load carrying member, and at least one overhead member, said at least one load carrying member being extended in at least one section between said at least two anchors, and said at least one overhead member being extended above said at least one load carrying member for substantially the entire distance of the at least one section in which said at least one load carrying member is extended.
 2. The zipline braking system of claim 1, said at least one load carrying member comprising at least one cable, said system further comprising at least one stopping member, said at least one stopping member being attached with said at least one cable.
 3. The zipline braking system of claim 2, said system further comprising at least one connecting member, said at least one connecting member comprising at least one rope, said at least one rope being attached with said at least one stopping member.
 4. The zipline braking system of claim 2, said at least one stopping member further comprising at least one pulley, said at least one pulley being attached with said cable.
 5. The zipline braking system of claim 4, said system further comprising at least one connecting member, said at least one connecting member being attached with said pulley.
 6. The zipline braking system of claim 5, wherein said at least one connecting member comprises at least one rope.
 7. The zipline braking system of claim 5, wherein said at least one connecting member comprises a loop.
 8. The zipline braking system of claim 1, said system further comprising counterweight.
 9. The zipline braking system of claim 8, said system further comprising at least one connecting member, said counterweight being integral with said at least one connecting member.
 10. The zipline braking system of claim 8, wherein said counterweight is at least one weight, said system further comprising at least one connecting member, said at least one weight being attached with said at least one connecting member.
 11. The zipline braking system of claim 1, said system further comprising at least one suspender, said at least one suspender being attached with said at least on overhead member.
 12. The zipline braking system of claim 11, said suspender further comprising at least one pulley.
 13. A zipline braking system, said system comprising at least two anchors, at least one load carrying member, and at least one overhead member, said at least one load carrying member being a cable, said at least one cable being extended in at least one section between said at least two anchors, and said at least one overhead member being extended above said at least one cable for substantially the entire distance of the at least one section in which said at least one cable is extended; said system further comprising at least one stopping member, said at least one stopping member being attached with said at least one cable; said system further comprising at least one suspender, said at least one suspender being attached with said at least one overhead member; said system further comprising at least one connecting member, said at least one connecting member comprising at least one rope, said at least one rope being attached with said at least one stopping member and with said at least one suspender, and said at least one connecting member being extended between said at least one stopping member and said at least one suspender; said system further comprising at least one connecting member finish end connector, said at least one connecting member being extended between said at least one suspender and said at least one connecting member finish end connector; said at least one connecting member further comprising an ascending/descending portion, said ascending/descending portion hanging from said at least one connecting member finish end connector.
 14. The zipline braking system of claim 13, wherein said at least one stopping member is at least one pulley.
 15. The zipline braking system of claim 14, wherein said at least one pulley further comprises at least one steel sheave.
 16. The zipline braking system of claim 14, wherein said at least one pulley further comprises at one steel axle.
 17. The zipline braking system of claim 13, said system further comprising counterweight.
 18. The zipline braking system of claim 17, said counterweight being integral with said at least one connecting member.
 19. A method for decelerating the speed of a person traveling on a zipline, said method comprising: providing at least one load carrying member having at least one finish end; providing at least one stopping member; providing at least one connecting member having counterweight; attaching said at least one connecting member with said at least one stopping member such that when said at least one stopping member moves toward said at least one finish end of said load carrying member said connecting member pulls said counterweight against the force of gravity.
 20. The method of claim 19, said method further comprising providing a ascending/descending portion of said connecting member; providing at least one guide at said finish end; enabling said at least one guide to apply friction on said ascending/descending portion when said stopping member moves toward said finish end. 